RealTime Laboratories Tests Pets for Aflatoxin Exposure

CARROLLTON, Texas, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- RealTime Laboratories, LLC, (RTL), announced the availability of a test to determine whether family pets have been contaminated with aflatoxins.  Recently, a large chain super market announced a recall of select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products "may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets."  (Kroger Co, recall, December 18, 2010, Cincinnati, Ohio).  In 2006, a similar contamination led to the deaths of hundreds of dogs throughout the country.

According to RTL CEO, David Murcott, "Our tests have helped many pet owners determine if their animals are exposed to aflatoxins and other harmful mycotoxins. This helps alleviate a tremendous amount of anxiety in a pet owner and gives veterinarians the information they need for diagnosis and treatment."

RTL performs the test by using an Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) test, which tells if the toxin is present in the urine and how much is present in parts per billion.  Aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring toxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and other fungi.  "The pets are usually the first to show signs when there is an exposure to toxic producing molds," Murcott went on to say.  Aflatoxin has a predilection for liver, but can migrate to other tissues. Pets may be sluggish, lethargic, reluctant to eat, and may appear jaundice (yellow).  If such symptoms appear, a veterinarian should be immediately consulted.

Customers who have any questions regarding aflatoxins or sampling, may contact RealTime Laboratories, LLC, at 972-243-7754 or email [email protected] or visit www.realtimelab.com.  

SOURCE RealTime Laboratories, LLC